ABSTRACT
In contrast, the educated women in her village contribute relatively little to village development. Usually of higher caste, they follow the traditional mode of demonstrating status by withdrawing from public view as well as from labour outside the home. Education for these women is part of their marriage qualification; for many families now think a girl with some learning will be a more informed mother and suitable partner for her more educated husband. Their education may be reflected in private decisions about family planning or health care but, unless the traditional family ideal is disrupted by circumstance, it does not propel them into new roles or community leadership.
